What does 'author's intent' refer to?

'Author's intent' refers to the reason the author wrote the text. It encompasses the purpose behind the writing, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, or express an idea. Understanding the author's intent is crucial because it shapes the content and style of the work. For instance, if an author aims to persuade, their choice of language, tone, and structure will be directed towards influencing the reader's thoughts or actions. Identifying the author's intent helps readers gain deeper insights into the text, as it provides context for interpreting the themes and messages conveyed within the work.

In contrast, the other options discuss different aspects unrelated to the core reason behind the writing. The author's writing style focuses on how the author expresses themselves, including word choice and sentence structure, which does not define the intent. The audience refers to the specific group for whom the text is intended, which is a factor that can influence intent but is distinct from it. The genre relates to the type of the text—such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, etc.—which categorizes the work but does not address the motivations behind the writing itself.